Boys track and field: Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach: Troy Kerber (33rd season)

Top returning athletes: McKimmon Englehardt (300 hurdles, 110 hurdles, 1,600 relay), John Mattas (relay, sprints), Kennedy Cross (1,600 relay, middle distance), Tony Vinson (sprints-relays), Tony Cepeda (middle distance-relays), Bryce Wiltgen (sprints-relays), EIi Castillo (throws), Adam Stacy (hurdles, relays), Jacob Montelongo (middle distance), Daniel McCully (distance), Ethan Hansford (middle distance), Robbie McCarthy (middle distance), Bryce Krpan (throws), Josh Thomas (throws), Damon Becker (distance), Kevin Knapp (pole vault, jumps)

Key newcomers: Tony LoPresti (distance), Sam Woody (middle distance), Jose Lopez (distance), Angel Lopez (distance), Enrique Castaneda (sprints, relays), Colin Dean (jumps, sprints, relays), Max Myers (distance), Patrick Englehardt (middle distance, jumps)

Outlook: Englehardt, who Kerber noted is considering either St. Louis University or Loyola Chicago for his college choice, qualified for state in three events last year and was all-state in the 300 hurdles. Mattas and Cross qualified for state in the 1,600 relay. "We are a young, but talented team," said Kerber. "McKimmon and John are the proven seniors who both are out with injuries awaiting medical clearance. However, our young athletes have had the opportunity to step up during the indoor season. We think we can be very formidable by the end of the season." ACC has qualified athletes and relays for the state meet in every season since 1993. "We refer to this as the streak and hopefully the streak will continue as we head to a very competitive Class 2A sectional this season," said Kerber. The coach said the team is shooting for a top two finish in the Metro Suburban Conference as long as it's healthy.

Aurora Christian

Coach: Ron Arb

2017 finish: Seventh place Northeastern Athletic

Top returning athletes: Senior Andrew Hasulube, juniors JJ Angelo, Joe Cannon, Stephen Kersey, Max Williams, Thomas Williams

Key newcomers: Senior Cristian Cervantes, juniors Tyler Fischer, Thomas Williams, sophomores Connor Betterman, Jake Betterman, Luke Richardson, freshman Jordan Hasulube, Kaden Pottinger.

Outlook: Hasulube is a returning state qualifier in the high jump at 6-2. He also won the NAC high jump title. As a sophomore, Hasulube, who had been playing soccer until the start of the outdoor season, qualified for state in the 100 high hurdles and high jump. He's the school-record holder in the 100 hurdles. Cervantes joins the team as a thrower after enjoying a four-year run on the football team as a lineman. "He has shown great growth and potential in the shot put," said Arb. "He is working on discus, but will throw more than 40 feet in his premier season." Roster numbers have trended up this season. "We have a slightly larger and diverse group of boys on the team this season," said Arb. "They get along really well and compete to make one another better. They have really dug into their individual and team goals to understand 'why' they are working hard and to understand their path to achieve these goals." Arb said the team has more athletes competing in the field events and hurdles and is working in some pole vaulters who may be ready by the end of the season, but for sure in the 2019 season. "Our goal remains to continue to set PRs throughout the season and make sure to be ready for the sectional meet at Seneca," he said. Arb likes the prospects for the 3,200 relay team.

Batavia

Coach: Dennis Piron (29th season)

2017 finish: First place UEC River, Kane County and sectional champions

Top returning athletes: Seniors Reggie Phillips (400, 200), Sean Adams (distance), Sam Conger (hurdles), Jeremiah Evers (sprints), Tom Stuttle (jumps/relays), Shane Knanishu (distance), Elijah Green (throws), Jack MacDonald (triple jump), Owen Schuster (pole vault), juniors Chris Levario (distance), Julian Davis (sprints), sophomore Adam Kennedy (800/relays)

Outlook: Batavia went undefeated in all invites last year, won the conference, Kane County and sectional titles in what Piron terms, "maybe the best team we have had." The Bulldogs continued that success this winter winning the UEC indoor title and setting many records in the process. "It seems like we are getting such focused, hard-working, quality young men every year and lots of them," said Piron. Batavia had 160 athletes come out for the team this spring. "And they all have improved and have worked very hard," he said. "Last year's team was very good but this one is close. We have a lot of relay depth and some big starts in Conger, Kennedy, Evers and our relays. Elijah Green is in the top 10 in shot and discus. We will be very tough to beat in invites with a balanced lineup again this year. We should be the favorite for the UEC River outdoor title and again be one of the top teams in Kane County. We believe we should have some very strong state-level athletes this year as well." Batavia returns seven athletes who participated in the state meet last season (Phillips, Adams, Kennedy, Conger, Evers, Green and Knanishu).

Burlington Central

Coach: Mike Schmidt

2017 finish: Kishwaukee River Conference champions

Top returning athletes: Seniors Michael Kalusa (long jump, high jump, 1,600, 400 relays), Jacob Teets (1,600, 400 relays), Jack Zettle (distance), Kevin Chounlamany (jumps, sprints), Gabe Rivera (pole vault), juniors Adam Kries (3,200 relay), Jimmy Badilo (sprints, 400 relay), Logan Andersen (3,200 relay), Connor Wagner (hurdles, sprints), Patrick Mayfield (high jump, triple jump, sprints), sophomores Anthony Farmer (3,200, 1,600), Gio Martinez (distance), Yavant Hausler (sprints), Tom Zettl (mid-distance)

Key newcomers: Juniors Matt Ganziano (sprints), Davis Dunham (throws), James Estes (throws), freshmen Jacoby Haynes (sprints), Jake Borman (throws)

Outlook: Central is coming off a 2017 season where it won its seventh conference title in a row and some key players are back from that outfit. Kalusa and Kries were part of the all-state third-place 1,600 relay team, with the 2018 1,600 team just having finished first at the Illinois Prep Top Times meet. Kalusa also qualified in the 400 relay, while Kries also qualified in the 3,200 relay. Teets and Badilo were part of the 400 relay team, while Andersen was part of the 3,200 team. "The team has a lot of depth on the track," said Schmidt. "We have a strong group of sprinters that should lead to very strong relays in the 4-by-1, 4-by-2, and 4-by-4. Distance is another strong and deep group. Our field events are solid and should provide points." Schmidt said Farmer "has a chance to be special," while Kries "is one of the more talented 400-800 runners Central has had in awhile." Kalusa is a four-event athlete who Schmidt feels could be state-bound in each event." Wagner missed last season with a broken foot. "He could be very good coming back from injury in the hurdles," said Schmidt. Central figures to be a favorite to win its eighth league title in a row, but Schmidt said Marengo is a team to keep an eye on. Central's longtime coach noted three of the top four teams in Class 2A in track this year are leaving Central's sectional (Freeport, Kaneland, which is now 3A, and Geneseo). "State opportunities could open up for us," said Schmidt. "Our relays could be the key to another top 10 finish in state."

Cary-Grove

Coach: Layne Holter (23rd season)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Andrew Stokes (shot put), Brett Groves (shot put), Karl Rosch (discus), Jonathon Lewis (distance), Jack Herbster (long jump, hurdles), juniors Jason Petko (discus), Derek Warren (distance), AJ Lewis (middle distance, hurdles), David Aulert (high jump), Maxum Caesar (middle distance)

Key newcomers: Sophomore Michael Charbonneau (sprints), freshmen Ethan Carlson (hurdles, sprints), DJ Farr (middle distance), Carson Hendrey (distance), Anthony LaMantia (sprints), Gavin Lemke (distance)

Outlook: Holter said the team's throwers will be a major piece of the team's puzzle this spring. "We have a solid group of committed, focused and talented throwers," he said. "All four could be state qualifiers."

Dundee-Crown

Coach: Matt D'Angelo (2nd season)

2017 finish: Fourth place Fox Valley Conference

Top returning athletes: Seniors Anthony Hurgoi (distance), Ross Dalgleish (sprints), Jorge Hernandez (distance), Joey DeVita (distance), Danny Price (distance), Kyle Belknap (sprints), Shandell Watson (jumps), juniors Dylan Becker (sprints, jumps), Adam Swanson (middle distance), Meonte Foster (sprints), Kristian Boado (throws), Jack Michalski (jumps), sophomore Jason Miller (sprints), Kareem Dunner (sprints, jumps)

Key newcomers: Senior Patrick Niec (sprints), juniors Noah Conner (jumps), Mark Jensen (distance), Lucas Janikowski (distance), sophomores Jack Searles (middle distance), Trevor Fed (sprints and jumps)

Outlook: Hurgoi qualified for state in the 3,200 last season and is a two-time state cross-country qualifier. The Chargers also have 2017 state cross-country qualifiers Swanson, Hernandez, DeVita, Price, Janikowski and Jensen on the roster. "The distance core is full of veterans who have had state-level experience and that provides leadership to our team," said D'Angelo. "Our sprinter and field-event groups have some experience but still are young in their mentality and developing our 'makers' mentality on a consistent basis - that's what we are striving for with those groups." D'Angelo said there is potential for the team's sprinters to make an impact at conference and at state, "but it will take more consistency," he said. "As a program the desire to compete is one of our greatest strengths, but we will have to develop consistent effort and build a strong work ethic to achieve the goals we want."

Elgin

Coach: Drew Smith

Top returning athletes: Seniors Jon Porras (distance), Jorge Pulido (400), juniors Juan Villagomez (distance, 800)

Key newcomer: Junior Wesley Mullens, freshman Darien Jackson (long jump)

Outlook: Smith said Porras is going to focus on the 800 this season and could be paired up with juniors to form a strong 3,200 relay team. "We want to see if Jon can do something on his own in the 800," he said. Smith said Porras in the 800 and Pulido in the 400 have outside chances of making state runs. "Both will have to cut quite a bit of time to get there, but both are very hungry and are running well," he said. Smith said the Maroons continue to be in a building mode. "We are going to keep building toward next year," he said. "Once the juniors who have moved up on the distance side have some time to work, they are going to continue to get better. These are younger guys just starting out." Smith also is high on the potential for Villagomez, one of those juniors. "I think Juan could be a potential state contender by next year," he said. "He's certainly running well right now."

Elgin Academy

Coach: Brian LeVanti (2nd season)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Hy Chau (sprints), Tommy Cain (middle distance), Paul Park (throws), sophomores Christopher Perez (distance), Anthony Perez, Arman Pabani (jumps)

Key newcomers: Seniors Richard Zhang (sprints), Bryan Leng (distance), junior Haolin Lin (throws-distance), sophomore Jaden Tabak (distance), freshmen Vansh Haridan (sprints-jumps), John Arnold (sprints)

Outlook: LeVanti is excited about the increased numbers in the program. "We are all looking forward to improving our individual efforts as well as competing as a team throughout the season," he said. "We have several athletes who have shown great promise this spring season. Through hard work and patience, we hope they achieve great success." LeVanti pegs Northridge Prep and Chicago Latin School as teams to beat in the Independent School League. "Northridge Prep and Latin seem to be the top competition in our conference," he said. "I feel we have the ability to turn heads and with our overall conditioning our team looks to be very competitive during the outdoor season."

Geneva

Coach: Gale Gross

2017 finish: Fourth place Upstate Eight

Top returning athletes: Senior Cole Montgomery (3,200 relay), juniors Josh Rodgers (distance), Andrew Olenek (100, 110 and 300 hurdles), Nate Walinder (400), Aiden Carr Clennon (400, 800)

Key newcomers: Juniors Frank Martin (throws), Ryan Kredell (distance), sophomores Lawi Djuma (sprints, horizontal jumps), Onyi Ukaobasi (hurdles, horizontal jumps), Valdis Slokensbergs (distance), Hank Smith (throws, 400)

Outlook: Rodgers, a two-time state qualifier, was the 1,600 UEC champion last year and a sectional champion in the 3,200 run. Montgomery was part of Geneva's state-qualifying 3,200 relay last year. "Our strength will come from discovering what this team can really do," said Gross. "We are very young with little varsity experience. We keep emphasizing team unity and growth together." Gross said distance currently is the team's strongest unit. "The strongest returning group is the distance crew with Josh and Cole returning and a good group of young runners coming up." Martin threw 48 feet in the shot put in the sectional last spring in his first year out for the event. Olenek ran most meets at the frosh-soph level and won most of his events. "He will be a strong contender this year," said Gross. The coach said Geneva will be a work in progress this spring. "We will be in discovery mode this season with our youth growing into their events and looking for great improvement," he said. "We hopefully will be very competitive when it counts in May."

Hampshire

Coach: Joe Watzlawick

2017 finish: Eighth place Fox Valley Conference

Top returning athletes: Seniors Elijah Stuart (800), Angel Yescus (3,200), Santiago Arreola (1,600), juniors Tommy Croissant (pole vault), Anthony Poett (200)

Key newcomers: Senior Nick Rummell (200), junior Jonah Varvara (400)

Outlook: Stuart was part of the 3,200 relay team that went to state last season. "Our distance group will be strong again this year with Elijah, Angel and Santiago," said Watzlawick. The 200-400 runners also will help. "The 200-400 will be strong with Poett and newcomers Varvara and Rummell," the coach said. Croissant will be another key performer in the pole vault. "We have some guys who will score points, but we don't have the depth to win a lot of meets," said Watzlawick. "If the freshmen develop, we will be much better by the end of the year."

Harvest Christian Academy

Coach: Steve Bland

2017 finish: NAC champions

Top returning athletes: Seniors Andrew Dobrescu (3,200), Kyler Young, Connor Seals, Mark Davila, sophomore Erik Richter

Key newcomers: Freshmen Matthew Olech (1,600, 800), Alex Powel (long jump, sprints)

Outlook: Dobrescu is a returning state qualifier who also has two all-state cross-country finishes to his credit. Young, Seals, Davila and Richter were members of the 3,200 relay team that qualified for state, while Dobrescu and Davila also qualified as part of the 1,600 relay. Olech was a member of the Harvest third-place state cross-country team in the fall and took second in the 1,600 as an eighth grader at the state meet. Powel already has surpassed 18 feet in the long jump and is showing potential as a sprinter, Bland noted. Dobrescu is committed to Trinity Christian in Palos Heights. Bland said the Harvest program, which figures in both boys and girls, is its largest ever in its seven-year history. "There always is strength in numbers," he said. "We will be a well-rounded team, sprinters, jumpers, hurdlers, distance and throwers. We will contend for the conference championship. Because of our depth, our girls may contend for a sectional title. And 2018 may be the year we send our largest contingent to the state meet with athletes contending for multiple podium spots, some might even win. Bland said the Lions will contend in the 3,200 relay. "We've already qualified for the Illinois Top Times indoor championships with some of the fastest times in the state," he said. Bland has high hopes for Olech. "Matthew is an elite-level athlete with an enormous amount of talent," he said. "But all the kids I've mentioned should raise some eyebrows this season. I believe this will be our best year ever. I am very optimistic. If we can stay healthy and focused, we might surprise a few people in May."

Huntley

Coach: Jim Rolando (13th season)

2017 finish: Indoor and outdoor Fox Valley Conference champions, McHenry County champions, Class 3A sectional champion.

Top returning athletes: Seniors Dubem Anikamadu (100, 200, relays), Melvin Aninagyei-Bonsu (triple jump, relays),

Lukas Bolas (110 and 300 hurdles, high jump), Ben Litwin (throws), Eric Mooney (relays)

Outlook: Huntley has been flying high for a number of years now, having won three sectional titles in a row and five since 2008). The Red Raiders have qualified someone for state in 17 out of 18 events over the past three years. Anikamadu is a five-time state medalist, including the 100 and 200 dashes last year. Mooney and Aninagyei-Bonsu were part of the all-state relay last year. Aninagyei-Bonsu also qualified for state in the triple jump, while Bolas made it in the 110 hurdles. "We look to improve as the season goes along," said Rolando. "It will be difficult to repeat the individual and team performances that helped us win some bigger meets last year. Getting younger guys ready to compete will be a priority for us and that is both a strength and weakness. They can become like last year's group that competed at the varsity level and stepped up many times, but they also are inexperienced right now and not quite ready to compete day in and day out at the varsity level." Rolando sees a competitive FVC as always. "Every team has some areas where they are very good," he said. "My sleeper pick is Dundee-Crown. A solid group of young sprinters and distances guys who could

shake things up right away."

Jacobs

Coach: Jason Borhart (16th season)

2017 finish: 2nd place Fox Valley Conference, McHenry County

Top returning athletes: Seniors Jermaine Maegdlin-Ferguson (hurdles, sprints), Loren Strickland (jumps, sprints), Caleb Walker (sprints), juniors Zach Albrecht (middle distance), Brett Bognar (middle distance), Brandon Cole (middle distance), Mark Lemke (middle distance), Tommy Subaric (hurdles)

Key newcomers: Senior Noah Melick (sprints, relays), freshman Connor Frank (jumps and sprints).

Outlook: Jacobs has three returning state qualifiers in Albrecht, Maegdlin-Ferguson and Strickland. "They all have goals of medaling this year," said Borhart. "As a team, we should be competitive in most meets."

Kaneland

Coach: Andy Drendel (2nd season)

2017 finish: Third in Class 2A, sectional runner-up

Top returning athletes: Seniors Matt Richtman (distance), Clayton Hannula (throws), Drew Gould (hurdles-high jump), Grant Wilk (pole vault), Jack O'Sullivan (pole vault), juniors Noah Butzman (sprints), Drew Hahn (throws), sophomore Daniel Occhipinti (middle distance), Kyle Angelotti (sprints), Chris Angelotti (sprints)

Key newcomers: Senior Josh Marczuk, junior Zach Denning, sophomore Austin Adams (middle distance), freshmen Porter Conroy (high jump), Ted Allen (sprints, pole vault)

Outlook: Kaneland has five returning state qualifiers back. Hannula took third in the shot and discus at state and set a school record in the shot at last weekend's Illinois Prep Top Times indoor meet, while Richtman was second in the 3,200 and seventh in the 1,600. Gould, O'Sullivan and Butzman also are returning state qualifiers. Marczuk is an all-state football wide receiver out for track for the first time, as is Denning, an all-conference football safety. "Our team goal is to compete for a conference championship and qualify as many guys down to the state meet," said Drendel. "We have a lot of depth in the 400 and 800 this year and we've moved a couple guys around to different areas to make our team more well-rounded. Clayton and Matt will be leading the charge in scoring points, but we have a slew of guys who will be competitive in multiple events and score those much-needed team points. And the goal always is to stay healthy." Drendel said DeKalb, Yorkville and Geneseo all have good programs that "will make the conference meet very competitive," he said. Kaneland jumps up to Class 3A this year and will compete at the ultra-strong St. Charles North sectional.

Larkin

Coach: Nate Williams (5th season)

2017 finish: Eighth place Upstate Eight

Top returning athletes: Seniors KJ Redmond (300, 110 hurdles, relays), Adalid Hernandez (relays), Roman Scruggs, Ezzry Leon (throws), juniors Jahari Stubbs (sprints, relays, hurdles), Carlos Miranda (distance), Isai Rios (throws)

Key newcomers: Juniors Malik Walkine (high jump, sprints), Angel Garcia (sprints, relays), freshman Miguel Rodriguez (distance)

Outlook: Redmond was all-conference in three relays and the 110 high hurdles last year and finished in the top eight in Kane County in both hurdle races. Hernandez also was all-conference a year ago in three relays. Stubbs and Miranda had big-meet success last year at the frosh-soph level. "With a larger team, returning varsity athletes and a deeper roster we are looking to be more competitive this season," said Williams. All-conference sprinters Redmond, Scruggs and Hernandez give Williams high hopes for Larkin possibly returning to the state meet for the first time since 2014. Rios and Leon are threats to eclipse 50 feet in the shot put and leading what Williams terms Larkin's best throws squad in the last decade. "We look to be strong in the hurdles, take another step forward in throwing/jumping events, continue to develop our pole vault and compete for more medals in distance events with a strong underclassmen contingent leading the way."

Marmion

Coach: Dan Thorpe (12th season)

2017 finish: Second place Chicago Catholic League indoor and outdoor

Top returning athletes: Seniors Ryan Conti (distance), Sean Galle (distance), Seth Groom (jumps), Jacob Lee (pole vault), Michael Ronzone (distance), Nick Ward (distance), Jack Davis (sprints), Thomas Powell (sprints), Jack Caton (distance), juniors Keegan Bennett (distance), Jack Brewster (distance), Keoni English (distance), Jacob Coffman (distance), Jacob Harron (distance), Ben Saloga (pole vault), Alec Wilson (sprints), Jacob Caceres (sprints), Tommy Surges (sprints), Tim Pecharich (jumps), Ben Powell (sprints), Marshall Foerner (throws)

Outlook: Marmion has no shortage of returning state qualifiers. Groom took second in the state in three events last year: triple jump, long jump and high jump. Ronzone was ninth in the 1,600, while English and Bennett were part of the ninth-place 3,200 relay team. Galle qualified in the 3,200 and Saloga in the pole vault. Ronzone is headed to Kansas on a track and cross-country scholarship, while Groom will go to Iowa on a decathlon scholarship. Last year, new pole vault coach Dan Barbosa continued his string of 16 years in a row of having a pole vaulter make it to state with now sophomore Saloga. Thorpe feels Groom could potentially qualify for state in as many as four events (long, triple, high jumps and one running or relay). The coach added Galle and Ronzone are working hard to reach state again. Thorpe added sprinter depth may come late in the season from the program's "excellent freshman class," he said. Thorpe labeled the Cadets' distance class as exceptional "with great coaching (Dan Klatt), depth and great commitment by the kids." Thorpe also lauded the work of his coaching staff with Barbosa (pole vault), Mike Garofolo (high jump), Charlie Brown (long-triple jump) and Klatt (distance). "They form a very knowledgeable and dedicated staff and that really is what makes Marmion track so consistent." Thorpe said one of the team's goals is to win the Chicago Catholic Conference meet and the sectional title. "It will be very difficult, but doable if we get some points in all the events and we are creative in our entries," he said.

St. Charles East

Coach: Brad Kaplan

2017 finish: Tied for fourth Upstate Eight

Top returning athletes: Seniors Charlie Wade (400, long jump, triple jump), Trevor Rzeszutko (300 hurdles), Campbell Koch (1,600), Cole Adesso (3,200), juniors Alek Crawford (high jump), Bennett Melone (800)

Key newcomers: Sophomores Bob Liking (3,200), Aiden King (1,600)

Outlook: The Saints have no shortage of standouts returning. Wade was a state qualifier in the 400 and all-conference and all-county in the 400, long jump and triple jump. Koch was a state qualifier, all-conference and all-county in the 1,600. Adesso was all-conference in the 3,200, while Crawford (high jump) and Melone (800) were all-conference in their events. Liking was the indoor 3,200 conference champion this winter, while King was all-conference indoors this season in the 1,600. Wade will continue his career at Dartmouth, while Koch is headed to North Central. "Our team's strength lies with the distance runners due to the top guys returning and what occurred in the indoor season," said Kaplan. "Our top sprinters such as Charlie and Trevor will be ready to help lead our team at the big meets during the season. Charlie will be a top competitor in several events during the season, including the 400, long jump, triple jump and 1,600 relay. We have a very young, but talented sprint group as well as throwers and pole vaulters. Kaplan said keep an eye on Liking, Antonio Perez in the sprints and long jumps and Dillon Gearhardt. "Bob had a breakout indoor season and will continue to work hard in the outdoor season," the coach said. "Dillon was a top frosh-soph sprinter last season." Kaplan said while the team is young, there is no shortage of talent. "We will rely on the key seniors to lead this young group to great performances at key meets during the season," he said. "We want to be healthy when it matters. Our goal always is to qualify as many athletes to the state meet when that time comes. The indoor season saw many great performances from those young athletes that hopefully will translate to great outdoor performances."

St. Charles North

Coach: Kevin Harrington (17th season)

2017 finish: Upstate Eight Conference runner-up, Kane County runner-up

Top returning athletes: Senior Peter Willis (high jump, sprints)

Key newcomers: Sophomores Ben Cook (distance), Ryan Arnold (distance)

Outlook: St. Charles North is coming off a strong 2017 season where it broke two school records in the 800 and 1,600 relays at the state meet (10th place finish in both). Willis took second in the state in the high jump. Luke Sutherland, Luke Zanis and Colton Tisdall, the core of the North Stars' sprint relays, all are running together at UW-Whitewater. Harrington said sophomores Cook and Arnold hold promise. "Ben and Ryan are looking to have significant impact on the varsity team in distance," he said. With a core of highly talented seniors graduated, Harrington said his team is young and still finding out who it is. In the conference, Harrington said Batavia should be the favorite.

South Elgin

Coach: Anthony LaRue

Top returning athletes: Jake Todd (100), Desmond Lockett (100), Jerlon Teems, Hector Rodriguez (1,600), Owen Sirridge (800), Greyson Jones (triple jump)

Key newcomers: Sophomore Ryan Harvey (1,600), freshman Davion Cherwin

Outlook: Lockett, who has run 11.2 in the 100, and Teems are both previous state qualifiers. Todd has run 11.0 in the 100, while Rodriguez is down to 4:40 in the 1,600. Sirridge is at 2:06 in the 800 and Jones is at 42-0 in the triple. "We will work together as a team and success will be based on that. What results we will get will be a direct measurement of how well we function as a team at any meet," said LaRue. "The more these young men work together and build off that, the more successful they will become. No state performer ever gets there on their own. They all are a part of what is done as a team. We have a well-balanced team with great contributors in all events. That is how we practice and conduct ourselves throughout the season. I believe we can score in each event and continue to work toward that as a team. Each individual is gaining strength from the team as we work together day in and day out." LaRue said West Aurora will be the top contender in the Upstate Eight Valley.

Streamwood

Coach: Dylan Lau

Top returning athlete: Junior Elijah Beach (shot put)

Key newcomer: Freshman Emiliano Mendoza (distance)

Outlook: Beach took third in the Upstate Eight indoor shot put this season after taking a sixth as a sophomore at outdoor sectionals. "The strength of this year's team is its work ethic," said Lau. "We have guys competing and getting after it at each practice. When younger kids see team leaders such as Derrick Combs, Josh Morris, Elijah and Fernando Viveros working hard, it has a trickledown effect. Practices have gotten way more competitive than in previous seasons." Beach leads the way for the Sabres in the shot put. "Our strongest event this year is shot put," said Lau. "Elijah is a kid who should come out and compete for top spots at every meet we are at this year. He has placed or won every meet we have attended this season and we believe as a coaching staff he hasn't even scratched the surface of his abilities yet. Throws coach Ryan Markgraf has done a great job with Elijah each year working on his form and strength." Junior Josh Morris also is progressing in the sprints and jumps. "Josh is a guy on the team we can plug into just about any race and he will have success," said Lau. "The coaching staff is looking at putting him in a few new events that could lead to him placing at some big invites this season." Lau said Mendoza, a freshman, has plenty of raw talent. "He ran a personal-best at each meet we have gone to," he said. "Emiliano is looking to make big strides this season in the middle. He has the ability to stay with the front groups that are much older than him. Once he learns the concept of split times, he will be an even more dangerous runner." Lau said his squad is looking to move up in the conference meet and would like to see Beech and others grab top spots at the sectional meet."

West Aurora

Coach: Cortney Lamb

2017 finish: First place Upstate Eight Valley

Top returning athletes: Seniors Camron Donatlan (high jump, long jump), Reece Mavros (shot put), Kevin Sylvester (long jump), Joel Ramos (distance), Patrick Reilly (distance), juniors Moshe Rogers (triple jump), Andre Stapleton-Jones (pole vault), Reegan McCue (distance), Jaquan Buchanan (sprints), sophomores Drew Polk (high jump, sprints), Matthew Johnson (long jump, sprints)

Key newcomers: Juniors Davaris Cheeks (triple jump), Reed Branom (400), Richard Kendle (pole vault), Anthony Hunt (sprints), Antonio Rayford (sprints), Will Nicholas (distance), Adem Jones (distance)

Outlook: West Aurora's roster is filled with decorated athletes. Donatlan has won the outdoor state high jump title the last two years. Rogers was a state qualifier last year in the triple jump, while Stapleton-Jones won the UEC indoor pole vault title this year. Mavros won a sectional title in the shot last year and is a two-time state qualifier in the event. Donatlan is headed to Wyoming for football and track, while Mavros is headed to Western Illinois. "As always, we will be very strong in the field events," said Lamb. "We have a number of potential state qualifiers/medalists in this area," Lamb said Donatlan, Rogers, Stapleton-Jones and Mavros have the potential to medal at state in their events. "If our track events can improve enough to score some meaningful points at the larger meets, we will be a competitive, well-rounded team," Lamb said.

Westminster Christian

Coach: Matthew Soules

Top returning athletes: Jason Yaccino (400, 800, 1,600), Will Dehaan (1,600), Dom Boyce (throws), Dillon Leach (800, 1,600)

Key newcomers: Junior Johnny Shanahan (throws), freshmen Gavin Versaw (middle distance), David Turpin (sprints)

Outlook: Yaccino took fourth in the state last season in the 800 and also won a conference title in the event, while Dehaan was fourth in the 1,600 at the sectional. "We are strong in the middle-distance events," said Soules. "The guys push each other in practice and feed off each other's successes in meets. They are motivated to put together a strong 1,600 relay if we can fill one more leg." In terms of specifics, Soules said the 800 and 1,600 are the team's strongest events right now. "These are our two fastest senior-events and they are hungry to finish strong their senior year," he said. Turpin is a key newcomer for the Warriors. "David has potential for speed both on our track team and our football program next year," said Soules. Westminster has a variety of goals in mind for the upcoming outdoor season. "I'm confident 100 percent of our athletes will PR as the year progresses," said Soules. "Our goal is to send two runners and a relay to state this year. With a small team, it's not feasible to compete for team titles so we're focused on PRs and winning our key events."

Bartlett, St. Edward and Crystal Lake South did not provide information for this preview.